Value For Me, Value For Its Own Sake

Synopsis     1Sam 18:4-15     10/3/2018

After defeating Goliath, David spoke with King Saul. After they were finished, he met Jonathan. Although he was also a courageous warrior, Jonathan marveled at David. He spontaneously gave David his military dress and equipment. And Saul put David in charge of the soldiers.

Israelites from all over celebrated the victory. They danced and sang. They sang songs of praise for both Saul and David. But Saul became resentful at the way the people praised David.

Once they had returned to Saul’s home, David took up the harp as he had previously done. But Saul was overcome with jealousy and tried to kill David with a spear.

In the end, Saul sent David out to lead military campaigns. But David was so successful that Saul began to fear him.

The Royal Responses to Value

Jonathan gave David the royal clothes off his back. It was a show of deference. It was an intuitive response to the value that he saw manifest in David’s courageous act.

Saul responded to the value he experienced differently. Initially Saul rejoiced at the victory. But soon enough he became jealous of David and fearful that his rule was in peril. His response to value was conditioned by what was in it for him.

Value For Me, Value For Its Own Sake

The easy way is to interpret value on the basis of how something serves me. If the taste is pleasant, or if it makes me feel comfortable, then it’s valuable. If it’s unpleasant or uncomfortable, then it’s not valuable. It’s simple.

But as we grow toward maturity, our awareness of value must also mature. And so, we come to appreciate goodness in a way that transcends pleasure and comfort.

God says, “Be still and know that I am God.” More than a call to action, this is a call to rightly experience value.

When the centurion who stood facing him saw how he breathed his last he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:39